Famous people and celebrities who died in 1939

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1939. This year saw the loss of many influential and beloved figures who left a lasting impact on the world. From entertainment icons and sports legends to renowned scholars and public figures, our comprehensive list pays tribute to their lives and legacies. Join us in honoring their contributions and celebrating their achievements as we reflect on their remarkable stories.

• Jan. 23 Matthias Sindelar

  Legendary Austrian footballer known as the 'Mozart of Football', who was a key player in the Austrian national team during the 1930s and...

• Jan. 28 William Butler Yeats

  Prize laureate for his always inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation.

• Jan. 28 W. B. Yeats

  Irish poet and playwright, nobel prize laureate (b. 1865).

• Feb. 22 Antonio Machado

  Spanish poet and leader of the generation of 98 spanish literary movement.

• March 2 Howard Carter

  British archaeologist/egyptologist (king tut), dies at age 65.

• June 16 Chick Webb

  Legendary jazz drummer and big band leader who significantly influenced swing music during the Harlem Renaissance era, known for his...

• June 17 Eugen Weidmann

  Notorious German serial killer who claimed to have murdered 86 people, primarily motivated by robbery and small financial gains.

• June 19 Grace Abbott

  American social worker and activist (b. 1878).

• June 26 Ford Madox Ford

  British novelist, poet, critic, and editor known for his works in the early 20th century.

• July 7 Deacon White

  Hall of Fame baseball player who played in the 19th century.

• July 14 Alphonse Mucha

  Czech painter and ornamental artist (born in 1860).

• Aug. 11 Jean Bugatti

  Renowned automobile designer from the famous Bugatti family, who made significant contributions to automotive design and engineering before...

• Aug. 11 Siegfried Flesch

  Austrian fencer (d. 1939).

• Sept. 11 Konstantin Korovin

  Russian-french set designer and painter (d. 1939).

• Sept. 18 Gwen John

  Welsh artist known for her portraits and still life paintings.

• Sept. 23 Sigmund Freud

  Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a groundbreaking method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. His theories on the unconscious mind, dream interpretation, and the structure of personality have had a profound impact on psychology, psychiatry, and Western thought. [bio]

• Oct. 7 Harvey Cushing

  Pioneering neurosurgeon known as the father of modern neurosurgery.

• Oct. 23 Zane Grey

  Us writer spirit of the border, a westernist from the united states, dies at 67.

• Oct. 28 Alice Brady

  Alice Brady was an American actress who achieved success in both silent and sound films, as well as on the stage. She was notably active during the early 20th century and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. [bio]

• Oct. 31 Otto Rank

  Austrian psychoanalyst and writer on the subject of psychology.

• Nov. 3 Charles Tournemire

  French organist and composer (born 1870).

• Nov. 11 Bob Marshall

  Bob Marshall was a prominent American conservationist and wilderness preservation activist who co-founded The Wilderness Society in 1935,...

• Nov. 16 Pierce Butler

  American jurist and lawyer (born 1866).

• Nov. 28 James Naismith

  Canadian-american physician and educator, created basketball (b. 1861).

• Dec. 12 Douglas Fairbanks

  Douglas Fairbanks was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, best known as one of the most prominent and influential silent film era stars. He became an international symbol of swashbuckling adventure and was famous for leading roles in films such as 'The Mark of Zorro,' 'Robin Hood,' and 'The Thief of Bagdad.' He was also a co-founder of United … [bio]

• Dec. 18 Ernest Lawson

  Canadian-american painter (d.1939).

• Dec. 22 Ma Rainey

  American singer (b. 1886).

• Dec. 29 Kelly Miller

  American mathematician, sociologist, essayist, newspaper columnist and author (b. 1863).

What happened in 1939?

Discover what the world looked like in 1939: